2025 Reading Challenge discussion

In 2018 two great things happened. First, I discovered this reading challenge and challenged myself to read 200 books - I wanted to spend more time reading and less time getting sucked down the rabbit hole of TV. The challenge worked and I read A LOT and I consider that I achieved my goal even though I had to modify my original goal to 186. Explanation: I didn't make the number of 200 because I read a couple of series of really long books and discovered podcasts! LOTS of great information out there! So, I'll be making a couple of changes to this year's personal challenge and hope I won't have to modify it as the year progresses. In addition in this year's goal I want to address the tiny negative I observed during last year's challenge. I found myself paying attention to the length of a book when choosing my next read as well as struggling to complete books I wasn't really enjoying so I wouldn't "lose" the time I had invested in the book. I finally gave that up and read the really long books and quit reading books I wasn't enjoying. As advised by sage group members I adjusted my goal. Taking all these considerations into account this year's goal is qualified. My goal is to read 50 GREAT WRITTEN REVIEW WORTHY BOOKS. My purpose will still be to read/listen over getting sucked down the rabbit hole of TV; and to that end I will read as much as I can. My competitive nature will probably have me keeping a list of the number of actual books read as well - lol!

None of this speaks to the time involved in finding a good book. A process I often find frustrating - I just want to be reading! This process - which often equates to the right book at the right time - is not only necessary but can be very time consuming. I am not much of a reviewer as stated I would rather be reading the next book -( A reason I love long series such as "Outlander" or" Into the Wilderness" They let you immediately jump into the next read!) During this process I rely on reviews to find that next read. Last year I considered reviewing the books I read as part of my challenge and giving back for all the reviews I counted on in that never ending quest to find the next great book. I did accomplish this aspect of my 2018 goal - in that I did review the books I read at least with stars! Throughout 2018 I found many thoughtful and well written book reviews that gave further life to a great book. In 2019 I find myself inspired to contribute to become an armchair expert book reviewer and I am challenging myself to not only evaluate all the books I read with stars again this year, but to write a written review for the 50 GREAT BOOKS I will find and read for my personal reading challenge in 2019.

Finally, thanks to all moderators! I appreciate all the efforts to those who work so hard to provide this book club. The various challenges really do make finding the next read more fun, and have inspired a new depth to my reading and consequently personal growth. There is just so much more going on than the numbers of books being read! That said, you provide a fun, no pressure atmosphere that is undoubtedly making the world a better place.

Thanks to all the moderators for all you do and Happy Reading to all in 2019!
Phill

Good luck and thanks for your lovely message about the group moderators!